1958 Riley 4 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Riley 4 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1958 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1958 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 324 kg more than 1958 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Riley 4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Riley 4 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2578 mm |
